"Oscar, how many 'Invincible' battlecruisers will the British build?" William II inquired abruptly.
"Father, according to the information we have received, the British will construct three 'Invincible' battlecruisers: the first ship 'Invincible,' the second ship 'Indomitable,' and the third ship 'Inflexible,'" Qin Tian replied.
"If the British will build three 'Invincible-class' battlecruisers, then our battlecruisers should not be fewer in number. Let's build three as well," William II declared, exuding a sense of grandiosity.
Qin Tian couldn't help but find it somewhat ostentatious, recognizing that it was likely a display of wealth made possible by the German Welfare Lottery Company's financial support. This newfound financial backing allowed William II to confidently engage in a naval arms race with the British, realizing that such massive vessels were not easily or cheaply constructed.
"Three ships? That's fantastic!" Marshal Earl Tirpitz nearly cheered. With the addition of four "Nassau-class" battleships, five "Helgoland-class" battleships, and now three battlecruisers, the German Navy boasted a sudden increase of 12 new capital ships. This not only placed them on par with the British navy but arguably surpassed it in combat effectiveness – an unprecedented achievement for the German Navy.
Qin Tian, too, wore a satisfied smile. Building three battlecruisers would make efficient use of the German shipyard's remaining large berths, and considering the allocation of previous battleships to other shipyards, these three battlecruisers would be a fitting use of the available resources.
"In terms of funds, I will find a solution. Just like Oscar's promised loan to the navy, the royal family will provide a loan as well, tentatively set at 100 million marks per year. After the war concludes, it will be repaid with war dividends," William II assured, displaying a clear understanding of the necessity of financial backing for such extensive naval developments.
"Thank you, Your Majesty! With your and His Royal Highness's support, the navy will undergo rapid development, ensuring victory in future wars!" Marshal Earl Tirpitz expressed confidence, acknowledging the immense support they had received.
"Royal father, what names should be bestowed upon this class of battlecruisers?" Qin Tian inquired.
King William II pondered for a moment before recalling, "I remember the navy was planning to build a large cruiser named after Marshal Blücher?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Marshal Earl Tirpitz confirmed.
"In that case, this class of battlecruisers shall be named 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers!" William II decreed.
Qin Tian and Marshal Earl Tirpitz raised no objections to the naming, and the battlecruisers were officially christened: the first ship as 'Blücher,' the second ship as 'Von der Tann,' and the third ship as 'Leopold.'
"Father, the 'Blücher' class battlecruisers can be built in my shipyard. We have three large berths available for the construction of these vessels," Qin Tian suggested, a smile adorning his face.
After a brief consideration and a glance at Marshal Count Tirpitz, William II agreed, "Of course, there's no issue. The 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers, like our third-class new capital ships designed by the prince, shall be entrusted to Deutsche Shipyard for construction. It's only fitting given the significant contributions the prince has made to the navy."
"Okay, Oscar, the 'Blücher-class' battlecruisers will be constructed at Deutsche Shipyard. However, it doesn't mean that Deutsche Shipyard will have an endless stream of military orders. You'll need to secure profitability through civilian ship orders as well, not solely relying on military contracts," William II advised, emphasizing the need for the shipyard to diversify its portfolio.
"Yes, Father," Qin Tian acknowledged the importance of maintaining a balance between military and civilian ship orders. After the completion of the warship construction, the shipyard would allocate some berths for the building of large merchant and cruise ships, preparing for future endeavors.
The lengthy discussion between William II, Marshal Earl Tirpitz, and Qin Tian stretched throughout the day, even leading to dinner being consumed within the office. This lengthy and unprecedented meeting sparked curiosity and speculation among onlookers.
Crown Prince William, however, viewed the situation with dissatisfaction, perceiving it as an intentional exclusion. In his narrow perspective, the discussions likely revolved around the construction of the navy's next-generation battleship, a topic that had previously caused him embarrassment.
"Damn it! As the Crown Prince of the German Empire, are they trying to ignore my existence?" Crown Prince William fumed angrily.